The SOULTrain Awards made its stop in Atlanta to celebrate and honor artists that Feed our SOUL. Our hosts Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard kept us entertained throughout the whole ceremony. They sang, dance, did some performing arts and cracked on each other so hard that I stayed in tears. Those two are so funny together. The highlight of the evening for me was the Anita Baker tribute. You talk about honoring a soul singer that has made a huge contribution to music! Who doesn’t know the words to Anita Baker’s catalog of music? They picked the crème de la crème to give her the tribute she deserves. Rachelle Ferrell, Lalah Hathaway, Chrisette Michele, El DeBarge, Faith Evans, Goapele, Dionne Farris were some of the singers that serenaded her with her own songs and they did it so beautifully. It was delicious!

When the elegant Anita Baker came to accept the award she brought up a great point that I hope was duly noted. She talked about the tribute having real singers and real musicians playing. She was elated that music was the focus at the Awards. Not a drum machine but a real drummer holding down the beat. Not auto tune but real vocalists that can sing and carry a note while singing her song. She celebrated the musical aspect of the night and asked us to keep real music alive. I felt her excitement and screamed, “Preach Anita.” People should never forget what real musicians and real music sounds like. That is why the SOULTrain Awards is so important in our culture.

Another highlight was Erykah Badu’s Window Seat performance with the illuminated stage. It was visually stimulating. When I think of Soul Train and what it represents, I think of artists like Ms. Badu finishing her song and Don Cornelius asking her questions like, “Erykah, ummmm how you get those lights to move the way you move?” Silly I know but that’s what we all can appreciate about Soul Train. The memories of dancing in the line, the artists it introduced us to and the Afro of Don Cornelius.

The SoulTrain Awards will air on Centric on November 28th at 9 PM. Check your local listings for the channel. In the mean time in between time remember, you can bet your last money it’s going to be stone jam honey and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and SOOOOOOOOOUL!!!!!

To rekindle your memories, Soul Train is releasing “The Best of Soul Train,” a 3-DVD set that is in stores for the first time ever. This DVD collection released on Time Life celebrates the innovative, cultural influential music show and national launch pad for one of a kind superstar performances, fashion and the iconic soul train dance line. Exclusive Performances Include The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, The Ojays, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Sly & The Family Stone; Eight Hours of Classic Soul, More Than Three Hours of Bonus Material, and 50 Performances also Featured. Scoop it up for the holidays!